Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
